Over 255,000 CNICs Cancelled in Pakistan in 2026

More than 255,000 Pakistani CNIC cancelled records have been processed in 2026 as authorities continue updating national identity records. A CNIC is the Computerised National Identity Card, the main ID card used by adult citizens for banks, SIM cards, travel inside the country, and many government services.

When a CNIC is cancelled, that card number is no longer treated as valid. The update says more than 255,000 Pakistani CNICs have been cancelled in 2026. "More than" means the total is above 255,000, not a smaller round number. The work is described as part of updating national identity records, which is the official list of who holds a valid ID.

The year is 2026. The update does not say the drive has finished, because it also says authorities continue updating those records. It does not name NADRA, even though CNICs are usually handled there, so this report stays with "authorities".

What a CNIC cancelled total does and does not tell you

A cancelled card can follow many events: a duplicate record, a death, a change in status, or a cleanup of old files. This update does not break the 255,000-plus figure into those reasons. It also does not say how many new cards were issued in the same year. The only public facts are the size of the cancellation total and the link to identity-record updates.

For a cardholder, a cancelled CNIC matters because the number on that card would no longer work for official use. This report does not tell readers how to check their own card or how to apply again. It is a count of cancellations, not a how-to guide.

No city, province, or monthly timetable is included. The figure is national, for 2026, and it is still being added to while records are updated.

Our verdict

More than 255,000 Pakistani CNICs have been cancelled in 2026 while authorities update national identity records. The update does not give reasons, a province split, or a closing date for the exercise.

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